Sense of style

Mary O'Kennedy, daughter of the retired Fianna Fáil minister Michael O'Kennedy, has inherited the sense of style of her mother…

Mary O'Kennedy, daughter of the retired Fianna Fáil minister Michael O'Kennedy, has inherited the sense of style of her mother, Breda. Eoin Lyonstours her home.

For Mary O'Kennedy, the peace and tranquillity of her cottage in south Co Dublin are crucial to her sense of well-being. It's not difficult to understand why. Rough granite walls, a fairytale porch and a curving driveway set the scene for what is to come. Despite its age, the house, which was built in 1840, has a light-hearted atmosphere. Pale walls and bright fabrics make for a traditional look that's easy to live with. O'Kennedy, who shares the house with her husband, John, an accountant, is the daughter of retired Fianna Fáil minister Michael O'Kennedy and his wife, Breda, and she has inherited her mother's noted sense of style.

When the couple bought the house, two years ago, they had little to do but redecorate, a task O'Kennedy tackled with gusto. "It had been modernised by the previous owners, and I'm blessed that my husband loves DIY, even if it's a process of trial and error."

After studying English and Spanish at UCD, O'Kennedy went to Central America to work with Trócaire. When she returned to Ireland, in 1998, the charity offered her a job in its fundraising department. By this time she was studying at the Bar. "I took the job and loved it. Fundraising surpassed my interest in law."

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A year ago she set up on her own as a fundraising consultant, advising non-profit organisations and charities about money-raising strategies. Her clients include the ISPCA, Spinal Injuries Ireland, the Model Arts & Niland Gallery, in Sligo, and Life Light, a new organisation that will provide an air-ambulance service. It's satisfying work, she says, with large sums involved. The Model Arts & Niland Gallery, for example, needs €1.5 million from private-sector donors to help create a cultural area in Sligo. "In general my role is to work with the organisation or charity and make sure its fundraising is directed towards those who have a special interest in the area, rather than just approaching people because they have money but not considering what motivates wealthy people to give.

"Most charities now have someone who works with them to open doors and create new avenues for raising money. Fundraising needs to be professionally managed, because big donors are becoming smarter about the way they support a charity. Open-chequebook philanthropy is gone. People want to know that what tangible difference their donation will make."

She also works on social events, such as the annual Spinal Injuries Ball, which takes place in May, but only if they will make significant amounts of money for the charity. "There are a lot of events that costs too much to run, and very little ends up going to the charity. I like to keep things simple. The aim is raise funds, not spend huge amounts on fancy lighting and what have you. We raised €90,000 from the Spinal Injuries Ball last year, and that will fund a support and outreach programme."

The cottage is furnished with her own finds, wedding presents from friends and furniture from her mother's home. Her decorating philosophy is twofold. "I won't spend a huge amount on any one piece of furniture. I want to be able to change things every so often. That's why places like Dunnes Home are great. Secondly, nothing here is too precious. It's a home. We have dogs, so chairs get scratched and carpet gets marked. I made a major mistake laying cream carpet everywhere - soon to be replaced with a wood floor."

The walled garden at the front of the house is a playground for her two dogs, Yeats and Maude, and a space for entertaining during the summer. The distressed-metal garden furniture was bought from Belle Époque, a shop on the top floor of Dún Laoghaire Shopping Centre. "It's not a place you'd go to for fine furniture, but it is good for inexpensive things that can give atmosphere to a room. You have to go every so often and choose carefully."

In the hall is an antique phone in working order that was found in Madrid, where O'Kennedy lived for a time. At the end of this narrow space is a painted side table from Homes in Heaven (Anglesea Buildings, Upper George's Street, DúLaoghaire, Co Dublin, 01-2802077), which was a wedding present from a group of friends.

The main living area is a combined kitchen, diningroom and sittingroom. Many pieces have a connection to friends. In one corner is a round extendable table, also from Homes in Heaven, bought when O'Kennedy's friend Julianne Walsh ran the shop. The delicate ceiling lights are from the same shop. The chairs around the table are from her mother's home and were originally dark wood. They were re-upholstered by another pal, Anne Tucker of the Dublin fashion boutique Costume. Also in this corner is a dresser from Strawbridge Country Furniture (Mount Usher Gardens, Ashford, Co Wicklow, 0404-40502). "They've gorgeous stuff that isn't expensive. It's not a place many people know about." The clock above the window is from Brown Thomas. The pale colour scheme was a simple decision. "I like a clean palette, and in a cottage things need to bright and light - nothing that boxes you in."

Towards the kitchen, on the left wall is a painting by an artist friend, Tara O'Halloran, who works only to commission. The red and black tiles in the kitchen are original to the house and suit the country-style units and Belfast sink.

On the other side of the room is a wood-burning stove. Above this are two prints from La Maison (42 Castle Street, Dalkey, Co Dublin, 01-2751630), a favourite shop of O'Kennedy's. "You'll find beautiful throws, cushions and stuff for the kitchen. When I see something I like, I buy it - if I can - and figure out a place for it later."

In the O'Kennedys' bedroom, the sleigh bed is from Global Village (Blackrock Shopping Centre, Co Dublin, 01-2835550; Powerscourt Centre, Dublin 2, 01-2046087); and KCR Industrial Estate, Kimmage, Dublin 12, 01-4055035). "There were no built-in units when we moved in, so I had these wardrobes made by a carpenter. The antique chair came from my mother, and the storage box with wicker baskets is from Dunnes Home."

The Spinal Injuries Ball takes place on Saturday, May 19th, at the Four Seasons Hotel, Dublin 4. A table for 10 people costs €2,000. Contact Mary O'Kennedy at 01-2355317 or www.okennedyconsulting.ie